The High Commission Territories, IV: The Failure of Smuts, 1939–48

Abstract

Hertzog’s government fell at the outbreak of the Second World War on the issue of South Africa’s neutrality. Smuts broke with the Nationalists, formed a government on 5 September 1939 and declared war. Col. Deneys Reitz, the new minister for native affairs (and deputy prime minister 1939–42), agreed with the high commissioner that on account of the war the question of transfer should be allowed to remain in abeyance and consequently that the Memorandum on its effect should not be published. In England, Anthony Eden shortly after taking office as Dominions secretary (3 September 1939 to 10 May 1940) minuted ‘It is clear that here is a “sleeping dog” which we are fortunate to be able to let lie’. His complacent misjudgement was to be rudely shattered.

Keywords

British Government High Commissioner South African Government High Commission Native Policy